Tom Caita-Mandra takes flight with Aboriginal Employment Strategy traineeship

A traineeship at the Commonwealth Bank in his home town of Singleton, New South Wales, has helped spur Woonarua man, Tom Caita-Mandra, on an educational and career pathway filled with promise and opportunity.

After completing his 3-year school based traineeship, Tom is now headed to Melbourne’s Monash University to study a Bachelor Degree in Psychology with a strong sense of personal achievement and a range of new skills.

Tom is one of a growing number of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have reaped the benefits of an impactful Aboriginal Employment Strategy school based traineeship to kick-start their careers.

Traineeships like Tom’s offer coaching and mentoring, an industry recognised qualification, as well as hands-on paid work experience with a host employer across a range of employment sectors and industries.

Forty five trainees recently graduated from their programs in 2020 at ceremonies held in Newcastle, Sydney, Port Macquarie, Moree, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Tamworth and Brisbane.

‘My traineeship was one of the best things ever. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it really developed my personal and professional skills, and I know I’ll be able to take them and apply them to anything I do in the future,’ Tom said.

Tom completed two years as a school based trainee and one year as a full-time trainee at the Commonwealth Bank where he gained hands on experience across many facets of the business while learning about finance.

In 2020, Tom also became a top 5 finalist in the New South Wales Group Training Awards for Indigenous Australians. Tom now plans to work part-time as he completes his studies and credits the traineeship with providing him the added confidence to make the move to Melbourne and pursue his future career goals.

‘I remember back in year 10 when I first got the offer, I didn't know anything about the banking industry and I’d never even thought of doing a career in banking. I’m so glad I didn't listen to that little thought telling me not to do it,’ Tom said.

‘My advice to anyone that’s looking to take this opportunity is to embrace it with both hands. Looking back, I couldn't imagine doing my senior years of high school without a school based traineeship. Just because it’s something you're not familiar, don’t let that stop you from taking the chance.’

The AES has over 50 new school based traineeship opportunities available for 2021.  Full Time Apprenticeships and Traineeships are also available throughout the year.